Muskoka’s First Queer Film Festival Streams Live May Long Weekend

The First Queer Film Festival in Muskoka will be streamed live in a three-day Festival online. Happening May 15, 16, and 17, 2020, MQFF is in support of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. With this event Muskoka will contribute to the global fight against discrimination, bigotry, and prejudice. The Festival will present a dozen films celebrating different sides of queer life, produced both in Canada and internationally, including the United States, Switzerland, and France. Every festival day will be followed by a live chat with the directors whose films were chosen by the MQFF Festival Committee.

“This is an exciting and ambitious project for our community, and we’re thrilled to be showing these films to the world from Muskoka,” says Mervin Taylor-Morin, President of Muskoka Pride. “It was hard to choose from all the great films submitted for selection to our festival, however, we believe we’ve created a diverse lineup of short and feature films that will resonate with the people who tune in to see them.”

Taylor-Morin adds that while disappointed the film festival can’t be live and in person, taking the festival online means it can reach a greater, world-wide audience and raise attention to the Muskoka region. Plus, attendance is free. There will be a ‘tip jar’ function for people who want to support Muskoka Pride’s efforts and will help cover the extra costs of preparing these films for virtual viewing.

“It was hard to choose from all the great films submitted for selection to our festival, however, we believe we’ve created a diverse lineup of short and feature films that will resonate with the people who tune in to see them.” — Mervin Taylor-Morin

Muskoka Queer Film Festival will also honour directors with two awards. The Festival Favorite will be selected by the MQFF jury while the Audience Choice award will be voted on by festival goers online.

Michelle Emson and Olena Semenova of Sanctuary Studios, a multi-media production company based in Muskoka, are also international human rights activists and filmmakers and were integral to making the online presence of the Festival a reality.  “In these times of isolation, we understand how important it is to stay together united by common views and sharing common values. We are happy to apply our technical skills and make Muskoka Queer Film Festival happen despite all the odds and to be available for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or place of residence. We welcome everyone to join us online and share the festival atmosphere of a historic event for Muskoka”, says Emson.

To join the Festival online please visit mqff.ca

The films selected for the festival are:

Another Sad Gay Love Story
Super Zee
Coming Out
AYANEH
So Beautiful
Consent factory: lesbo-queer perspectives
The Noose
One More Please
Queering
Good Bi Kiss
The Unlikely Story of the Lesbians of First Friday, Punch Card

Whilst the festival can be viewed on any device, MQFF strongly recommends the use of a computer for the interactive segment with the Directors and for discussing the films as they play.

The Muskoka Queer Film Festival is a collaboration of Muskoka Pride, Sanctuary Studios Inc., and the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, and is sponsored by the Canadian Experiences Fund delivered through FedNor. The MQFF Festival Committee expresses considerable gratitude to FedNor and the Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network for their support.

All images courtesy of MQFF.